In the early hours of Friday, heavy airstrikes conducted by the United States and the United Kingdom pounded multiple targets in Yemen, including an airbase, airports, and a military camp. This follows weeks of attacks on shipping in the Red Sea by Houthi forces in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.
Footage reported to be showing US and UK strikes against Houthi targets tonight in Yemen. pic.twitter.com/NlaaxWqpub
— Clash Report (@clashreport) January 12, 2024
The Houthi rebels, who control a significant part of Yemen since the civil war erupted in 2014, are aligned with the “axis of resistance” against Israel. The strikes were a response to a growing number of attacks by the Houthis on Israel-linked shipping in the key international trade route, leading to heightened tensions in the region.
On Jan. 11 at 2:30 a.m. (Sanaa time), U.S. Central Command forces, in coordination with the United Kingdom, and support from Australia, Canada, the Netherlands, and Bahrain conducted joint strikes on Houthi targets to degrade their capability to continue their illegal and… pic.twitter.com/bR8biMolSx
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) January 12, 2024
Houthi’s Al-Masirah TV station reported the airstrikes, and witnesses on the ground confirmed hearing bombardments. Houthi Deputy Foreign Minister Hussein Al-Ezzi condemned the attack, warning that the U.S. and UK would face dire consequences for their “blatant aggression.”
US President Joe Biden defended the airstrikes as a “defensive action” in response to Houthi attacks on shipping in the Red Sea. The strikes involved fighter jets and Tomahawk missiles, hitting 60 targets at 16 Houthi locations with over 100 precision-guided munitions, according to the US Air Forces Central Command.
Biden emphasized that the strikes were a “direct response” to the unprecedented attacks by the Houthis, including the use of anti-ship ballistic missiles. UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak echoed the sentiment, stating that the strikes were “necessary and proportionate.”
The international coalition, including the US, UK, Australia, Bahrain, Canada, and others, issued a joint statement aiming to de-escalate tensions in the Red Sea while asserting their commitment to defending lives and ensuring the free flow of commerce in the vital waterway.
The Houthi spokesperson, Mohammed Abdulsalam, denounced the airstrikes, stating there was “no justification” and vowed to continue attacks on Israel-linked shipping. Yemen’s neighbor, Saudi Arabia, called for self-restraint and avoiding escalation.
The Western strikes risk escalating the already tense situation in the Middle East, potentially widening the conflict involving the United States, Israel, Iran, and regional groups. The Houthi actions, in solidarity with Palestinians and against Israel’s actions in Gaza, have further strained regional dynamics.
The United States and its allies had issued warnings to the Houthis to cease shipping attacks, but the situation escalated when the Houthis launched a significant attack, prompting the recent airstrikes. The intensifying attacks in the Red Sea have forced shipping companies to divert routes, raising concerns about potential impacts on the global economy.
The US had strengthened its military presence in the region following the October 7 attacks on Israel, aiming to balance its response while addressing the humanitarian crisis in Yemen, one of the world’s worst.
